[5] Shit let's be hardboiled

[pricesandvaules]

It is always a good day when I can get out of the hideout without any trouble. I'm an important man. I've got business to attend to. I can't afford to waste hours on weird puzzle shit just because some asshole left his iron parked over the manhole cover

Comments

[dashboardlite]

There are a couple "places of business" I like to frequent, if only to get my kicks. It's been a while since I visited old friends, too, and who knows when you'll need another mook in a pinch? So I ankle over to Droog's - sonuvabitch has a sweet set-up on Easy Street, a classy joint where he doesn't give me the bum's rush if I fleece anyone at poker or billiards.

And Hell - at least it's dry. The damp air's enough to soak anyone straight through their duds to the bone. I step inside and flip the lid up on my hat to get a better look around, grinning.

"What's a bo gotta do to get somethin' better than shine, around here?"

[pricesandvaules]

Dean Winchester. I knew it was him before he even raised his voice. Guy's got a certain way of entering a room. I guess you could call it charisma. Not a bad trait in a hired gun. It's that flair that excuses his lack of polish.

I set my cue in the rack and round the table.

Just pull up a chair, Winchester.

[dashboardlite]

"Don't mind if I do."

I pull one out and kick back in it. Droog's joint ain't the biggest, but he keeps it tidy and there's always an extra bottle of hooch with my name on it. He's got his boss and I've got mine, but that doesn't mean fellas with the same profession can't get to know each other a little, especially when the circle's so small.

"How's tricks?"

[pricesandvaules]

Same old. A little slow, if anything.

Not that it'll make me any less choosy about the jobs I take. Only the best, always, and if that means the poolhall stays on the small side, so be it.

[dashboardlite]

"Yeah, I hear ya."

I wave at one of the few servers, and he brings me a scotch on the rocks. Taking a sip and sucking in a grateful breath, I raise my glass to Droog.

"Same old, same old here, too. 'Cept for a slice of vengeance I snagged."

[pricesandvaules]

Sweet revenge. Winchester sure knows how to get my attention.

Go on.

[dashboardlite]

"Y'know that sonuvabitch who carved the eye outta my head a couple months back?"

I'm pretty damn sure Droog remembers.

[pricesandvaules]

An eye for an eye?

Attaboy.

[dashboardlite]

"Think I'd settle for anything less?"

I smirk.

[pricesandvaules]

Next round's on me.

[dashboardlite]

"Thanks," I say, and mean it, because Droog has some really good firewater.

"You been up to any trouble, cat?"